Tin Foil Hat Time: Crazy Conspiracy Theory Corner

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 2, 2010 8:46 AM CDT in Opinion

The Larry Brooks Piece from the NY Post detailing that the NHL is demanding concessions in the way contract salary cap hits are made with the threat that they'll refuse the new Ilya Kovalchuk contract, move to cancel the Roberto Luongo contract, and, like thuper-theriouthly threaten the Hossa deal isn't even 12 hours old yet and already there's a maelstrom among the media and the hockey blogosphere about every angle of these dealings.

What if this is an insanely calculated move?

So far, Brooks' story has yet to be confirmed by the league. While I hold Larry Brooks' integrity in high regard, thinking that his unnamed source gave him the info in good confidence, I wonder. What if this leak was a way for the NHL to actually gather reaction to this move before they make it, to see if it's worth the hassle it will cause them? The league gets to find out exactly how everybody will react and then, when they find out how negative it is, they get to say that it was never their intention in the first place. It's like a recon mission.

Even better, Larry Brooks has been vocal about his support of the Kovalchuk contract and his worry that the league will cause another harmful lockout. I don't imagine that as a reporter, he's very popular with the dark-cloaked men behind the scenes. If they deny that this was a valid story, not only have they successfully gotten the intel they wanted from the hockey blogosphere, but they've also moved to discredit a writer who has rattled a few too many cages.

Of course, this entire concept relies on the idea that the league is devious enough to carry out a plan like this. I don't believe it, but at least it was a fun mental exercise.

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For as much as I despise what's happening...

I LOVE the spirited debate taking place on the matter. It’s an issue that’s being avoided by some of the more casual fans, and that’s okay. Those of us that care deeply have a thought and we’re able to discuss it respectfully (ahem…aside from my tirade on Twitter yesterday…. cough cough) and that’s pretty damn neat.

I hadn’t thought about it from this angle yet, but you may be on to something. If I’ve learned anything working in television it’s that very little is done in the world randomly. Every move is calculated, even by people you think don’t have the brain power for such things — like reality television producers and Gary Bettman.

Well done, sir. Keep up the good work!

by Michael Petrella on Sep 2, 2010 9:06 AM CDT reply actions

I'll be honest

I had never considered this to be the case. I guess like a lot of people, I heard the news and assumed that it was likely true, given that Larry Brooks is a very respected sportswriter. Now, according to Darren Dreger on Twitter today, the NHL’s sources are saying that Brooks’ story is not true. But like you said: maybe they gauged public opinion and realized that this move would backfire on them in a big way. Maybe I’m naive and believe that there are never any ulterior motives involved. Given the nature of my work, that’s probably not a good thing.

I agree with Petrella that there was some good spirited debate on the matter this morning. I think we can all agree that we just want what’s best for hockey, and the thought of another lockout is going to make me tear out what little remaining hair I have left. However, I have to believe that both the NHL and the PA know that if there is another work stoppage (the 3rd one in 15 years), they can kiss the casual fan goodbye, and they will risk really alienating those of us that are hardcore. These are not stupid people, and they all realize what’s at stake here. This whole issue is just about posturing and looking good to the fans.

And Petrella, we all loved your rant last night, arms and all.

"I really like the guys who go for the win in overtime" - HNIC's own Harry Neale

The Hole in the Door

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by Amerinadian on Sep 2, 2010 9:20 AM CDT reply actions

I’m sad I missed the Twitter rant, but liked your piece over at The Production Line. I agree with you both that the spirited discussion is what’s good and I think very important. I want the NHL and the players to know what’s at stake. I want them to realize that the fans have a very vested interest in what’s going on and to take note that we should not be ignored.

This whole post really is just a mental exercise. I hope to all things that it is wrong, because playing this is the single worst thing I believe the league can do in this situation and, if it’s the case, then I truly don’t see how a lockout can be avoided in the face of how devious an idea this would be.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 2, 2010 9:27 AM CDT reply actions

This is definitely interesting

If it was something that was leaked just a bit to gauge the reaction, it would be very interesting to see where the team goes from there. I think this is actually more prevalent in sports than people would think. I think the NFL is prime example with it’s rumored suspensions and then how they often change after the initial fan/media reaction. Does that make it sound like a conspiracy theory? Yeah, a little bit. But I also think it’s borderline asinine to think that the higher ups in professional leagues don’t listen to the reactions of the fans/media. I think they almost have to to have the league’s economic interest fully invested.

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Sep 2, 2010 9:40 AM CDT reply actions

The Fans

While we as a group will not be actively involved in the next round of CBA negotiations, the resolution (or non-resolution) of the major issues will have just as big an impact on us as it will the NHL and PA, because it ultimately affects the game of hockey (including whether any is played beyond 2012). Wouldn’t it be something if the fans formed some sort of actual association/organization that was allowed a voice at the bargaining table? It would be kind of cool. We could send representatives to give the fans’ perspective on different clauses and sections of the CBA, and offer a general idea on how it will be received by us.

I guess a guy can dream, eh?

"I really like the guys who go for the win in overtime" - HNIC's own Harry Neale

The Hole in the Door

Like to keep your communication short and to the point? Follow me on Twitter

by Amerinadian on Sep 2, 2010 9:41 AM CDT reply actions

but, that would end up

with requests for every player to be required in their contract to be a Jersey Shore member…or some crap like that haha.

Maybe we should stipulate the terms for the fan representatives haha

Winging It In Motown

by Casey Richey on Sep 2, 2010 9:44 AM CDT up reply actions

NHLFA

The National Hockey League Fans Association DOES exist, and is able to boast a fairly large registration. The aim of the group WAS to have some sort of dialog with the League in hopes of getting the fans’ frustrations aired. It’s a valiant effort and maybe one day they’ll agree to let those voices in. Check it out:

http://www.nhlfa.com/

by Michael Petrella on Sep 2, 2010 10:06 AM CDT up reply actions

I did not realize they were in existence, and checking out the website, it seems like their aims were noble but there’s not much of an impact. I like the idea, and like you say, perhaps someday they will be able to achieve their goals and really be a strong voice for the fans.

"I really like the guys who go for the win in overtime" - HNIC's own Harry Neale

The Hole in the Door

Like to keep your communication short and to the point? Follow me on Twitter

by Amerinadian on Sep 2, 2010 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions

It’s a really cool concept, but it looks like they haven’t posted anything since October of last year, and no annual reports since 06-07. I signed up, since it was free and 1 more member on their roster can’t hurt, but they appear to be pretty much dead in the water. :(

by Red, White and a Mile high on Sep 2, 2010 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions

I think this was all in Lou Lamorello’s plan with his first Kovalchuck contract. He’s always been a shrewd and a separate agenda is the only reason he would throw that kind of money at Kovalchuk. He didn’t like the way these long term contracts were headed so he went and made one so outrageous that the league had to step in and start to investigate. Now this new contract is another ploy to show the league how easy it is to sidestep the cap by simply finding loopholes in everything.

He knew exactly what he was doing.

by dewman8810 on Sep 2, 2010 2:44 PM CDT reply actions

While I’m not comfortable saying the Brooks scoop from last night was some sort of conspiracy, I’m definitely more amenable to the concept that Lamoriello offered Kovalchuk up as the sacrificial lamb to put an end to contracts like this. It’ll never be proven as to whether this is the case, just like it’ll never be proven that the Hawks and Hossa ever discussed his retirement plans as they relate to his contract length, but those are both things that just make sense given the circumstances.

by J.J. from Kansas on Sep 2, 2010 4:32 PM CDT up reply actions

if it was a trail balloon

It may have been just to figure out how much work the NHL has ahead of it to get the “greedy players” concept going before the next CBA negotiation. I think once the intelligent fans are discounted, it won’t be as difficult as they might have thought. People are more easily led than some of us would prefer. :(

"It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time." --Sir Winston Churchill (1874 – 1965)

by Baroque on Sep 3, 2010 8:24 AM CDT reply actions